Nintendo: Faster Processors and Pretty Graphics Will Not Be Enough to Compete with Wii U

The president of Nintendo of America claims that when both Microsoft Corp. and Sony Corp. release their next-generation game console sometime next year, high-quality graphics and precise physics will not be enough to compete against Wii U as the latter not only improves visual quality of games, but provides completely new user experience.

"In the end, our competitors need to react to what we are doing in the marketplace and need to figure out what their innovation will be. It is likely that faster processors and pretty pictures will not be enough to motivate consumers. They need to react to what we have done and we need to continue innovating with the Wii U and we will,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, the president of Nintendo of America, in an interview with Cnet News web-site.

All new game consoles usually feature improved graphics, ergonomics, video games, etc. Nintendo believes that this is just not enough to justify a brand new platform. The main feature of the game console is its unique Wii U GamePad controller with 6.2" touch-screen that also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers that can be used to play both classic Gamecube/Wii games as well as specially designed titles that take advantage of the screen.

“For us, launching new systems is about bringing new consumer experiences to the marketplace and we're doing that with Nintendo land and third-party publishers are doing it with games like ZombiU. For us, now is the right time to launch new hardware,” said Mr. Fils-Aime.

First week sales of Nintendo Wii U were 400 thousand, 200 thousand lower than the first week sales of Nintendo Wii back in 2006. In fact, Nintendo’s latest console was behind sales of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 last week. The manufacturer cited production limitations for slow shipments of Wii U, which may actually be true as online retailer Amazon has no Wii Us in stock.

The head of Nintendo’s American subsidiary believes that Wii U generally has bright future as this is a living, breathing product that will continue to be improved over the coming years.